12.9: Laboratory test categories

Laboratory tests include the following categories:

• Mandatory tests – required as part of the criteria for release of all blood donations and components for clinical use. Currently these are ABO and D blood grouping and irregular red cell antibody screening.
• Additional tests – undertaken in special circumstances:
  • increase the safety of transfusion for susceptible patients or clinical effectiveness of specific transfusions, e.g. by providing HbS screened red cells
  • while not required for all blood donations or components, when such tests are performed to meet a specific need the results are an essential part of the criteria for release of that component.